SPLB vs VYM
State Street SPDR Portfolio Long Term Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPLB offers more diversification with 2,933 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPLB | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.61% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 2,933 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -1.11% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.99% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.08% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.31% | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 2009 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SPLB vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Long Term Corporate Bond ETF (SPLB) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPLB returned +0.99% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, SPLB is down 1.11% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Over three years, SPLB compounded at +4.08% per year against +18.69% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -3.31% and +12.00% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +1.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 10.8% for SPLB. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -35.2% for SPLB and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPLB charges 0.04% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $4 annually. On income, SPLB currently yields 5.61% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SPLB and VYM share 3 holdings out of 1285 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPLB | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUK | 0.02% | 0.41% | 0.39% |
| HUM 4.625 12/01/42 | 0.02% | 0.20% | 0.18% |
| ADM | 0.02% | 0.15% | 0.13% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPLB or VYM?
SPLB has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VYM charges 0.04%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPLB or VYM?
Over the past year SPLB returned +0.99% vs +21.14% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), SPLB annualized +1.73% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPLB or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.8% for SPLB. Worst drawdown: SPLB -35.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPLB and VYM?
SPLB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPLB and VYM?
SPLB and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1285 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPLB or VYM?
SPLB yields 5.61% while VYM yields 2.24%, so SPLB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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